"The celebration of Christmas does not merely revolve around joy and festivities, as it holds an even deeper meaning. Christmas is the manifestation of the teaching of mutual love among humans,"
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin encouraged all Christians in Indonesia to pray for the realization of peace for everyone during the momentum of the 2023 Christmas Day celebration.

"Let us pray for the peace among all people in the world to manifest, so that Christmas will not lose its true meanings," VP Amin remarked via a video broadcast by the Vice Presidential Secretariat in Jakarta on Sunday.

The vice president said that Christmas teaches humans about love, peace, and hope, while appealing to all Christians in the country to keep spreading the messages of Christmas by sharing and spreading love and kindness.

At the end of this year, he added, all Christians in the motherland should contemplate the true meanings of Christmas as the manifestation of the teaching of love toward each other.

"The celebration of Christmas does not merely revolve around joy and festivities, as it holds an even deeper meaning. Christmas is the manifestation of the teaching of mutual love among humans," he remarked.

He then urged all people in Indonesia to welcome the year 2024 by tenaciously working together to maintain harmony, preserve the nation's unity and integrity, and prioritizing national interests.

In his speech, the vice president also invited Indonesian citizens to make the most of the 2024 General Elections in a prudent manner.

"Let's exercise our rights to vote wisely in the upcoming festival of democracy. We have to welcome the new year with enthusiasm and joy while hoping for a better tomorrow and a more prosperous Indonesia," he said.

"I would like to once again wish a merry Christmas to all Christians and a happy New Year 2024," he concluded.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has designated Surabaya City in East Java Province as the host for the National Christmas Day celebration this year, with the Nginden Bethany Church serving as the main venue.

A team from the ministry has checked the readiness of facilities, set the stage, and prepared security plans to ensure the smooth running of the national celebration.

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Translator: Andi F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina
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